Touch Screen Text Input Enlargement and Drag Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The small size of touch screens on mobile terminals makes it difficult for users to accurately input text using soft keypads, as the keys are too small and easily mistaken, leading to incorrect key presses.
Innovation Solution
A method that enlarges the displayed characters of the touch-down point and nearby keys on a touch screen, allowing users to drag and change the touch location based on the dragging distance and direction, enabling more accurate character selection and input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a soft keypad is displayed on a small touch screen, then text input functionality is provided, but the key size becomes too small for accurate input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the 2D key selection problem into a 3D interaction by introducing temporal dimension (drag duration) and motion dimension (drag distance). Users can drag the cursor across keys over time, and the system tracks the dragging path to determine intent, effectively adding dimensions beyond the flat 2D keyboard layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface transitions from a static key selection model to a dynamic one where the cursor moves continuously during drag operations. The system dynamically adjusts the selection based on dragging distance, speed, and trajectory, allowing users to correct mistakes mid-drag and providing adaptive feedback as the cursor moves across different keys.
2Quantity of substance
If keys are made smaller to fit the touch screen, then more keys can be displayed, but input accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous visual feedback during drag operations by highlighting the current key under the cursor and showing the character that will be selected. This real-time feedback allows users to monitor their dragging progress and make adjustments before finalizing the selection, compensating for the small key size.
Solution Approach 2:
The cursor is positioned and displayed before the actual key selection is finalized. During the drag operation, the system preliminarily indicates which key will be selected based on cursor position, allowing users to verify the selection intent before completing the touch-up event that finalizes the input.
3Volume of moving object
If the touch screen area is reduced for compact design, then device portability improves, but the display area for text input is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The touch screen display is segmented into functional zones: the soft keypad area, the text input display area, and the drag trajectory indication area. During drag operations, the system segments the visual feedback by highlighting only the relevant keys and cursor position, reducing visual clutter and improving precision in the limited display space.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for inputting text in a mobile terminal having a touch screen is provided. When detecting a touch-down, the mobile terminal displays a character of the touch-down point and nearby characters in an enlarged size and indicates the character of the touch-down point in the enlarged display. When a drag event occurs before a touch-up event, the mobile terminal determines the dragging distance and direction, changes the touch-down point to a new location according to the dragging distance and direction, and indicates another character at the new location. When a touch-up event occurs at the new location, the mobile terminal then inputs the other character indicated at the new location.